A blend of 70.59% Merlot and 29.41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% alcohol, and aged for 14 months in French barriques, 58% new, the 2009 Vineyard Selection Merlot Cabernet gives a very deep garnet-purple color and pronounced notes of ripe cassis, blackberry preserves and dried plums over cedar, anise and dark chocolate. Full bodied with plenty of mouth-filling, muscular fruit, it has a solid backbone of firm grainy tannins and racy acidity. The finish is long with earthy / woody nuances poking through the dark berry fruit. Approachable now, it should drink best 2012 to 2018+. Importer: South Pacific Wines LLC, New York, NY